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Chapter 27

It's a good thing Cara called a break cause I have a function coming up soon.

It's time for Secretary Davis' annual dinner party. And I've somehow scored another invitation.

"It's gonna be smaller this year." Arin is saying. "Because of the restrictions and all."

"And also because half of the politicians hate his bill?"

Arin laughs. "I like that you think it's only half."

I smile. "At least you'll be there."

He nods. "I'll be representing the Hames."

"Your parents aren't coming?"

"They're trying to distance themselves from my grandfather's politics. Dolma state is very traditional. Why do you think we tolerate Tarwick castle?"

"Seb and Aunt Freya won't be there either." I think for a minute. "Who will be there?"

"People who believe in my grandfather's ideals." Arin plucks grass from the field. "And the rebel Princess who wants to go against her family's political values."

I nod. "Count me in. I need something to piss off aunt Freya."

He laughs. "You can ride with me to his house."

"There's no way I'll get a pass from Lilian. I'll probably have to hide in your trunk."

"Your aunt will definitely throw me in prison for that."

We both laugh heartily.

Two passing students give us weird looks.

"You know we're gonna be trending in about five minutes?" Arin asks.

"I don't have the app. I wouldn't know." I shrug.

He laughs again. "Forgive me for saying this, but you're different than you were last year. Not in a bad way. It's just...you're kind of badass now."

I prop myself up with my elbows. "What are you talking about?"

"You're swearing more. Dressing more casually. Not caring what other people are saying about you. Actively pissing off your family." That makes me laugh. "And spending all your afternoons researching a professor's history paper."

I shake my head. "I didn't notice."

"It's really hot."

"What the..." I pluck more grass and throw it at him.

"Speaking of research, how's that coming along?"

I shake my head. "We're at a dead end. I think we should give up, she wants us to power through and wait for an epiphany."

"Encouraging."

"Yeah."

He stares at the main class building. We're sitting in the little field in front, not too far from the fountain.

"Did something happen to you lately?" He asks. "Like apart from Tristan. It's just, you've been different since the pledge." He stares at the sky. "You're very mercurial, do you know that?"

I smile. "Others would use different words to describe me." He says nothing. "And maybe I have been different." I look back over the seven months since I took the pledge.

During that time, I met Grey's true personality, I realized my family doesn't give a shit about me, my friends have kind of always hated me, my ex-boyfriend is a giant dick, Ryppers have a personal beef with me, my magic isn't dependable, everyone I love can get hurt because of me, the consequences of my actions don't really matter... It's been a heavy seven months.